Cambodia has officially launched its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to address climate change, after submitting it to the UNFCCC Secretariat on August 8.
The ceremony, presided over by Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, with the participation of relevant institutions and key partners, took place on September 18.
Cambodia is only the 29th country worldwide and the 4th in Asia to submit its NDC 3.0 on time, ahead of the upcoming COP30 in Brazil. The preparation of NDC 3.0 took just seven months, but the minister stressed that it was carefully developed with participation from all stakeholders.
Sophalleth described the official adoption as another achievement for the Royal Government of Cambodia and a demonstration of its strong commitment to respond to climate change in line with the international community, aiming to achieve the Paris Agreement goals and carbon neutrality for Cambodia by 2050.
He reiterated that the Kingdom remains firmly committed to leading its environmental sector toward a sustainable, climate-resilient and environmentally balanced future. Through policies and strategic initiatives, Cambodia has laid foundations for development based on renewable energy, strengthened environmental regulations and mainstreamed sustainability across all economic sectors.
“Cambodia recognises that climate change is one of the greatest threats and crises of our time. Our country is highly vulnerable — with rising temperatures and heat waves reducing productivity in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, while also affecting jobs in all sectors. In addition, the increase in extreme weather events disrupts roads, water supplies and infrastructure,” the minister said.
As a member of the Paris Agreement, Cambodia has consistently supported multilateral climate action and demonstrated commitment to contributing actively to international efforts to keep global warming well below 2°C, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C compared with pre-industrial levels.
Sophalleth explained that Cambodia’s NDC 3.0 submission to the UNFCCC carried four key messages. They include raising ambition for greenhouse gas reduction, strengthening climate adaptation, enhancing means of implementation, and producing a comprehensive national report within a short timeframe that is inclusive, peaceful and socially responsible.
The event was attended by EU ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans, Jo Scheuer, UN resident coordinator, Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP resident representative, Stellos Pesmajoglou, regional head of mitigation at UNFCCC (via video link) and Phean Sophoan, Oxfam country director, among others.
The minister expressed his gratitude to UNDP Cambodia, the EU, UNICEF, development partners, Oxfam and the NGO Forum representing civil society, for their contributions and financial support in preparing the document.
